Council backs Cook County Class 6b incentive for Chicago Industrial at 350 Howard Ave.

The Des Plaines City Council on Feb. 17 approved a resolution supporting a Cook County Class 6b real-estate incentive for Chicago Industrial, LLC at 350 Howard Ave.

Staff described the applicant as the property owner and said the proposed tenant (recently purchased by parent company Arrow Snow Removal) would invest at least $365,000 in new improvements tied to the lease. The owner proposed relocating 70 full-time employees from an existing location and adding at least 20 additional positions within two years, for a total of about 90 full-time jobs.

City staff explained the Class 6b program reduces the assessed value for certain industrial property from 25% of market value to 10% for 10 years, phasing back to the full 25% in years 11 and 12. Staff presented estimates of 12-year tax payments with and without the 6b incentive and recommended council consideration.

Aldermen asked whether the investment and job-creation milestones must be completed within a timeframe; staff said the required improvements must be reflected in the initial building permit and the minimum number of full-time positions must be established within two years, with waivers possible under certain circumstances. Alderman Syed moved for approval of resolution R-49-26; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call vote.

The council did not record additional conditions in the motion; staff noted the applicant affirmed the incentive is necessary for the lease and that application materials, including a statement of economic interest, were submitted.